Cash for honours returns

Fraser Nelson 5:31pm

I’m just out of the Public Administration Select Committee meeting with John Yates. No revelations, but a clear clash of cultures – and philosophies. Tony Wright, the PASC chair, said that cash-for-honours has been going on for years. “It’s the way of the world,” he said at one point. So why, they wanted to know, did Yates investigate? One line of his sticks out, in response to Paul Flynn (who had been asking him why he caused an “ordeal” to those interviewed).

“Mr Flynn, when I joined this organisation I took an oath as an officer of the crown to work by four guiding principles: fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality. And that was the touchstone I used throughout this investigation”.

They looked at him blankly. Two worlds had collided: the MPs, with their “it’s been going on for years, so just stay in your box, officer” mentality. And Assistant Commissioner Yates, who investigated it because it looked like a crime and he owed his allegiance to the crown, not the ministers of the crown. And if those interviewed wouldn't give straight answers, he'd keep going until he got to the truth however inconvenient it may have been. For me, this moment crystallised the tension running throughout the whole saga.

Other points: Yates took issue with references to an “aborted” investigation: if you judge investigations by the yardstick of whether charges are brought by the CPS, he says, 80% would be abortive. In July, we also learnt, he said there was a 35% to 40% chance of a prosecution. He then predicted it would be over by October. And why wasn’t it? Because he wasn’t getting co-operation, he said. Who didn’t co-operate? He couldn’t name names. Can he name departments? Well, he’d name departments and groups that did co-operate fully. The Cabinet Office. And that was it. Of all the folk he dealt with, only the Cabinet Office played ball.

Much to do with this affair will always remain hidden like whether Yates recommended charges and who did the leaking. But Yates acquitted himself with honour today: a true public servant.